Yosemite Guide

Yosemite Essentials A peak-hours reservation is required to drive into Yosemite on some dates in 2024. A reservation is required between 5 am and 4 pm on the following dates: Visitors may enter the park with: April 13 to June 30 Saturdays, Sundays, & Holidays only • a Wilderness or Half Dome permit July 1 to August 16 Daily • in-park camping, lodging, or vacation rental August 17 to October 27 Saturdays, Sundays, & Holidays only • regional transit or a tour group • a peak-hours reservation To learn more, scan the QR code or visit go.nps.gov/reserve. Protect Yosemite’s Wildlife Bears and other animals are active in the park year-round! Speeding kills bears. You’re driving through wildlife habitat. Follow speed limits, drive carefully, and watch for wildlife crossing the road. It is illegal to approach or feed any wild animal in Yosemite. Wildlife can cause injuries and transmit diseases. Human food is very unhealthy for wild animals, and animals that are used to being fed can become aggressive toward people. DISTANCE FROM WILDLIFE: 30 feet = about one bus-length. Book a reservation at Recreation.gov. A portion of reservations were released in January 2024; additional reservations are released seven days in advance at 8 am Pacific time. Reservations are valid for up to three consecutive days. Proper Food Storage is Required by Law Help keep wildlife wild. Never intentionally feed any wild animal in Yosemite. Avoid accidentally sharing your food by properly storing it. Large areas of the park are still covered in snow. The best places to hike in spring are Yosemite Valley, Wawona, and Hetch Hetchy. Ask a ranger about trail conditions before you go. If you see a bear in the park, email yose_bear_mgmt@nps.gov or call the Save-a-Bear hotline at 209/372-0322. To learn more about food storage and bears, visit KeepBearsWild.org. Expect seasonal road closures. Tioga Road and Glacier Point Road close to vehicles each winter and may not open until May—or later. Tire chains may still be needed in early spring. Call 209/372-0200 (press 1, then 1) to hear about current road conditions and closures. Park Regulations Spring in Yosemite: What to Expect Waterfalls, rivers, and streams are at their most powerful. Use extreme caution around any flowing water. Do not enter water above waterfalls. Stay off of slick rocks, especially at the base of waterfalls. Visitor & Emergency Services In an Emergency: Call or Text 911 Non-emergency dispatch line 209/379-1992 Medical Clinic (Yosemite Valley) 209/372-4637 Open Mon to Fri from 9 am to 5 pm. Urgent care walk-ins from 1 pm to 3:30 pm with out-ofpocket fees. Yosemite Village Garage 209/372-1060 24-hour roadside assistance. Lost & Found Check at the nearest open information center or hotel front desk, or visit go.nps.gov/lost to report a lost item. Keep in Touch Accessibility For a complete list of accessible services, exhibits, and recreational opportunities, pick up a Yosemite Accessibility Guide at visitor centers, or download a digital copy at go.nps.gov/AccessYosemite Sign Language interpreting is available upon request. Contact Deaf Services at 209/379-5250 (v/txt). Two weeks advance notice is requested but not required. Assistive Listening Devices are available upon advance request at any visitor center. Accessible parking spaces are available throughout the park. www.nps.gov/yose @YosemiteNPS The National Park Service is bound by its mission to protect Yosemite’s natural and cultural resources for the benefit and enjoyment of future generations. Regulations are in place to protect both visitors and park resources. Prohibited activities include: Using drones Feeding or approaching wildlife Collecting plants and animals Hunting animals Picking up archeological items, such as arrowheads Using metal detectors Driving vehicles into meadows Biking off of paved roads Camping outside of designated campgrounds Possession of weapons inside federal facilities Possessing or using marijuana, including medical marijuana During the Day While hiking or picnicking, always keep your food within arm’s reach. When you are away from your vehicle, keep all windows closed and any food or coolers hidden from sight. Never leave food in a truck bed or strapped to the outside of a vehicle. At Night Bears can easily break into vehicles in search of food. Food, trash, and other scented items may NOT be stored inside vehicles overnight. These items must be kept inside a food locker, in an allowed bear resistant container, or in a hotel room or cabin. Food may also be stored inside a completely hard-sided RV with all windows and vents closed. Pets are not allowed on hiking trails. Pets are only permitted on paved walking and biking paths, in most campgrounds, and in parking areas. Pets must be leashed at all times. Service dogs are allowed anywhere that visitors can go. Emotional support, therapy, and companion animals are subject to pet regulations. Park Partners To report illegal activity, call park dispatch at 209/379-1992. Yosemite Guide February 1, 2023Enjoy - March 28, 2023 @YosemiteNPS your visit! Park Map Planning Your Yosemite Adventure Lake Eleanor To HETCH HETCHY O’Shaughnessy YOSEMITE VALLEY & Lee Vining Dam Hetch Hetchy Entrance Hetch Hetchy Backpackers Campground Hetch Hetchy Road Tioga Pass Entrance Tuolumne River (Wilderness Permit Required) TUOLUMNE MEADOWS White Wolf Tioga Road Tioga Road To Groveland & Manteca Hodgdon Meadow Closed approx. Nov. to May CRANE Tuolumne FLAT Grove Big Oak Flat Entrance Big Oak Flat Information Station Yosemite Creek Merced Grove Crane Flat Snow Play Area Porcupine Flat Yosemite Valley Welcome Center YOSEMITE VALLEY Big Oak Flat Road Tunnel View Arch Rock Entrance To Mariposa & Merced Tuolumne Meadows Visitor Center The Mariposa Grove is home to over 500 mature giant sequoias and miles of trails. Shuttle service from the parking area to the Grove may begin as early as April 1, if conditions allow. Shuttles operate 8 am to 7 pm. When there is no shuttle, the Grove is accessible only via a 2-mile hike (each way.) Stop in Wawona for more trails, visitor services, and the Yosemite History Center (open daily.) Expect to find snow and ice on trails in early spring. Upper Pines Lower Pines North Pines Distance from Yosemite Valley 30 mi/48 km (1 hour) Directions From Yosemite Valley, take Wawona Road (Hwy 41). Watch for signs for the Mariposa Grove just before the park’s South Entrance. Glacier Point Road El Portal El Portal Road Bridalveil Creek Closed approx. Nov. to May Road Conditions Wawona Road remains open year-round. GLACIER POINT & BADGER PASS SKI AREA Badger Pass Ski Area Yosemite West winter only First-come, first-served campsites in Yosemite are very limited. Not all campgrounds are open year-round. Turn to page 5 for more information. Wawona Road WAWONA Yosemite History Center Wawona Visitor Center Wawona Campground South Entrance Start your visit at the new welcome center in Yosemite Village for trail maps and park information. Then stop by the Yosemite Museum and the new Exploration Center for exhibits and cultural demonstrations. Turn to page 4 for hours. Glacier Point Road is closed to vehicles from approx. November to May. Call 209/372-0200 (1,1) to check the current status of park roads. Badger Pass Ski Area is typically open until late March, if conditions allow. For more information, visit TravelYosemite.com. North Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias 0 5km 5 miles Roads on map are simplified and do not reflect degree of windiness. To Oakhurst & Fresno Gas Station Entrance Station Campground Visitor Information Center CRANE FLAT Visit two giant sequoia groves north of Yosemite Valley that are smaller and quieter than the Mariposa Grove. Hike one mile down to the Tuolumne Grove, or 1.5 miles down to the Merced Grove. Parking at each trailhead is extremely limited. Expect to find snow and ice on trails in early spring. Directions From Yosemite Valley, take Big Oak Flat Road (continuation of Hwy 120) to Tioga Road Junction at Crane Flat. Road Conditions Big Oak Flat Road is open year-round. Where to Find More Information Information Centers Start your visit here! Pick up trail maps, become a junior ranger, get help planning your trip, and ask about closures and trail conditions. Yosemite Valley Welcome Center 9 am to 5 pm The welcome center is the Valley’s NEW hub for visitor information. The former visitor center is now the Yosemite Exploration Center, offering rotating exhibits, a theater, and the Yosemite Conservancy Bookstore. Both are located in Yosemite Village, near shuttle stops 1, 2, 4, & 5. Wawona Visitor Center at Hill’s Studio Closed for the Season Big Oak Flat Information Station Closed for the Season Tuolumne Meadows Visitor Center Closed for the Season 2 Experience Your America Yosemite National Park Look up Current Conditions Tioga Road and Glacier Point Road close each winter and may not open until May—or later. Spring snowstorms may cause short-term closures or chain restrictions on roads. HETCH HETCHY For the most current road conditions, including short-term closures and tire chain restrictions, call 209/372-0200 (press 1, then 1.) Distance from Yosemite Valley 40 mi/64 km (1½ hours) For planned or long-term closures to park roads, trails, and facilities, scan the QR code or visit go.nps.gov/conditions. Get the Official NPS App The free app features over 400 parks across the US! Search for trails and other things to do, navigate with the park map, view the program calendar, and find your next park. Download Yosemite ahead of time to access park information when you’re offline. Download from your device’s app store: search “National Park Service”. Become a Junior Ranger! Kids (and kids-at-heart) can pick up a free Junior Ranger Handbook at any open information center. Complete the activities while you explore the park, and earn your junior ranger badge! Ranger Recommendations Spring is a time of transition. Warmer weather arrives in Yosemite Valley first, while higherelevation areas of the park can remain covered in snow until late spring or early summer. Waterfalls are at their peak in spring, when snow in the high country begins to melt. Rivers and streams are also at their most dangerous, so use extra caution around any flowing water. If you’re visiting for a day or less: Distance from Yosemite Valley 16 mi/26 km (30 minutes) NOTE: There are only 2 gas stations inside the park and NO GAS in Yosemite Valley. A Park Guide for Ages 4 to 12 WAWONA & THE MARIPOSA GROVE Merced River GLACIER POINT winter only campground closed in 2024 Tenaya Lake Camp 4 Tamarack Flat The first stop for many park visitors, Yosemite Valley is known for its towering granite walls and iconic features like El Capitan and Half Dome. The Valley’s many waterfalls roar in spring, usually peaking in May. Check out a variety of talks, guided walks, and art and photography classes. Turn to page 8 for a schedule of programs. Tuolumne Meadows Closed approx. Nov. to May Evergreen Road Closed approx. Nov. to May Yosemite National Park A source of water and hydroelectric power for San Francisco, Hetch Hetchy is also home to spectacular scenery. From here, visitors can walk across the dam, hike along the reservoir, or access Yosemite’s Wilderness. Directions From Yosemite Valley, take Big Oak Flat Road (Hwy 120 W.) Just outside the Big Oak Flat Entrance, turn right on Evergreen Road. Road Conditions The road is open daily from sunrise to sunset. Vehicles and trailers over 25 ft long and 8 ft wide are not permitted on the narrow, winding Hetch Hetchy Road. TIOGA ROAD & TUOLUMNE MEADOWS Tioga Road is closed to vehicles from approx. November to May. Call 209/372-0200 (1,1) to check the current status of park roads. When Tioga Road and the Tioga Pass Entrance are closed, there is no access to Yosemite from the east. Other park entrances remain open year-round. As you travel through the valley, stop at Tunnel View, Bridalveil Fall, El Capitan Meadow, or Valley View for scenic viewpoints. Stop by the Yosemite Valley Welcome Center for maps and park information, then check out the Yosemite Exploration Center and Theater for exhibits and the park film. Learn more about the park’s cultural connections next door at the Yosemite Museum. Take a scenic stroll around Cook’s Meadow and Lower Yosemite Fall. If time allows, walk to Mirror Lake or take a short hike to the Vernal Fall Footbridge on the Mist Trail. Turn to page 11 for trail information. If you’re visiting for multiple days: Attend a tour, talk, class, or guided walk. Turn to page 8 for a schedule of programs and classes. If conditions are good, explore some longer trails in Yosemite Valley. Turn to page 11 for trail information. Spend a day exploring trails in the Mariposa Grove and Wawona. If time allows, spend a day at Hetch Hetchy and hike along the reservoir to Wapama Falls. Yosemite Guide March 20 – May 7, 2024 3 Services Seasonal operating dates and hours are subject to change. YOSEMITE VALLEY Medical Clinic Services Front Office Mountain Shop & Mountaineering School Gift & Meadow Grocery Grill to Shuttle Stops 14 & 19 Campground Reservation Office North 2 North side Driv e( on ew Village Grill Pizza Deck Yosemite Village Garage ) ay Welcome Center Bike Rentals Degnan’s Kitchen Breakfast: 7 am – 11 am, Lunch: 11:30 am – 6 pm Coffee, deli sandwiches, & grab-and-go items. Indoor & outdoor seating. Gift & Grocery Village Grill (Tentative opening March 25) 11 am – 6 pm. ive ( one Mountain Room Restaurant Bar 1899 & Seven Tents Pavilion Coffee Corner & Ice Cream Amphitheater to Shuttle Stop 1 INFORMATION & EXHIBITS e Dr to The Ahwahnee Hotel 4 Village Store to Lower Yosemite Fall Yosemite Valley Lodge North Bike Rentals YOSEMITE VILLAGE shuttle stops 1/2/4/5 Pool hsid 5 authori zed v ehic les on ly Services northeast corner of parking area Degnan’s Kitchen FOOD & BEVERAGE Yosemite Valley Lodge way ) Wilderness Center Post Office Curry Village to Lower Yosemite Fall Lounge & Cliff Room Garden Terrace Front Office & Tour Desk Basecamp Eatery & Starbucks Coffee Pool & Showers TOURS & ACTIVITIES CURRY VILLAGE shuttle stops 14 & 19 Seven Tents Pavilion Breakfast: 7 am – 10 am, Dinner: 5:30 pm – 8:30 pm. Casual dining with rotating menu of hearty meals. Indoor seating. Peet’s Coffee Corner 6 am – 2 pm Nort ehicles only authorized v Yosemite Exploration Center, Yosemite Village Theater & Bookstore Services Yosemite Museum The Ansel Adams Gallery YOSEMITE VALLEY Bar 1899 11:30 am – 10 pm. Beer on tap, cocktails, & light bites. Pizza Deck 11 am – 10 pm. Pizza whole or by the slice. Outdoor seating. Meadow Grill (Opens Apr 12) 11:30 am – 5:30 pm. Tacos. Outdoor seating. North to Shuttle Stop 7 GIFTS, GEAR, & GROCERIES Jennie’s Ice Cream Closed for the season. THE AHWAHNEE shuttle stop 3 Coffee Bar 7 am – 10 am The Ahwahnee Bar 11:30 am – 9 pm. Beer on tap, cocktails, & light bites. Ahwahnee Dining Room Breakfast: 7 am – 10 am, Dinner: 5:30 pm – 9 pm. Fine dining. Appropriate attire respectfully required for dinner. Dinner reservations strongly recommended: 209/372-1489 or OpenTable.com. Yosemite Village; shuttle stops 1/2/4/5 Yosemite Valley Lodge Tour & Activity Desk See the front desk at the Lodge, open 24 hours. Book tours & activities at TravelYosemite.com. YOSEMITE VILLAGE shuttle stops 1/2/4/5 YOSEMITE VALLEY LODGE shuttle stop 7 Yosemite Exploration Center & Theater 9 am – 5 pm Theater closed Apr 8, Apr 22, & May 6 Curry Village Tour & Activity Kiosk (Opens Mar 25) 7:30 am – 3:30 pm Book tours & activities at TravelYosemite.com. The Ansel Adams Gallery 10 am – 4 pm (9 am to 5 pm starting Apr 1) Yosemite Conservancy Store at Welcome Center 9 am – 5 pm Base Camp Eatery Breakfast: 6:30 am – 10:45 am, Lunch & Dinner: 11 am – 9 pm. Fast casual burgers, pizza, & more. Indoor & outdoor seating. Yosemite Village; shuttle stops 1/2/4/5. Village Store Tour & Activity Kiosk Closed for the season. Book tours & activities at TravelYosemite.com. Yosemite Conservancy Bookstore at Exploration Center 9 am – 5 pm Starbucks Coffee 6:30 am – 6:30 pm Yosemite Museum Store 10 am – 4 pm, closed for lunch Mountaineering School (Curry Village) 8:30 am – 12 pm, 1 pm – 4:30 pm. Guided hiking & rock climbing experiences. Shuttle stops 14 & 19. Village Store 8 am – 9 pm, open until 10 pm starting April 19 Mountain Room Lounge Mon – Fri: 4:30 pm – 10 pm, Sat & Sun: 12 pm – 10 pm. Beer on tap, cocktails, & light bites. Yosemite Valley Welcome Center 9 am – 5 pm Yosemite Museum 10 am – 4 pm Yosemite Village; shuttle stops 1/2/4/5. Wilderness Center Closed for the season. Happy Isles Art & Nature Center (Opens Apr 7) 9 am – 4 pm. Shuttle stop 16. Yosemite Conservation Heritage Center (Opens May 1) Wed – Sun, 10 am – 4 pm. Shuttle stop 12. BIKE RENTALS Seasonal opening dates subject to change, depending on conditions. Yosemite Valley Lodge Bike Stand (Opens Mar 25) 7:30 am – 3:30 pm Curry Village Bike Stand (Opens Mar 25) 7:30 am – 3:30 pm Yosemite Village Bike Stand (Opens Mar 25) 7:30 am – 3:30 pm WAWONA & MARIPOSA GROVE INFORMATION & EXHIBITS Wawona Visitor Center at Hill’s Studio Closed for the season. Yosemite History Center Open daily. FOOD & BEVERAGE Wawona Hotel Dining Room (Opens March 22) Breakfast: 7 am – 10 am, Lunch: 11 am – 3 pm, Dinner: 5 pm – 9 pm, Lounge Service: 5 pm – 9:30 pm OTHER SERVICES Wawona Store & Pioneer Gift Shop 8 am – 7 pm Yosemite Conservancy Bookstore at Wawona Visitor Center (Opens April 27) 9 am – 5 pm Yosemite Conservancy Depot at Mariposa Grove Welcome Plaza (Opens April 6) 9 am – 5 pm THE AHWAHNEE shuttle stop 3 Gift Shop 8 am – 9 pm OTHER SERVICES Showers (Curry Village) 24 hrs. Shuttle stops 14 & 19. Yosemite Village Post Office Mon – Fri : 8:30 am – 5 pm, Sat: 10 am – 12 pm. Shuttle stops 1/2/4/5. Yosemite Village Garage 8 am to 12 pm, 1 pm to 5 pm Propane available during regular operating hours. 24-hour roadside assistance: call 209/372-1060. No gas available in Yosemite Valley. GLACIER POINT & BADGER PASS YOSEMITE VALLEY LODGE shuttle stop 7 Gift Shop 8 am – 10 pm CURRY VILLAGE shuttle stops 14 & 19 Yosemite Mountain Shop 8 am – 8 pm. Hiking, camping, climbing gear. Curry Village Gift & Grocery 8 am – 10 pm HOUSEKEEPING CAMP shuttle stop 12 Grocery (Opens Apr 5) 8 am – 8 pm All services closed for the season. TIOGA ROAD All services closed for the season. CRANE FLAT Big Oak Flat Information Station Closed for the season. Yosemite Conservancy Bookstore at Big Oak Flat Information Station Open Fri – Tues, 9 am – 5 pm Crane Flat Gas & Grocery Store closed for the season. Gas available. 24-hour pay-at-the-pump with card. EL PORTAL El Portal Market 9 am – 5 pm After more than 95 years in service, The Ahwahnee is continuing a multi-phase comprehensive rehabilitation plan to preserve the hotel’s historic integrity, while Wawona Service Station staffed 9 am – 6 pm. 24-hour pay-at-the-pump with card. Propane available during staffed hours only. In alliance with the Zero Landfill Initiative, Yosemite Conservancy, the Tennis Courts (Opens March 22) 8 am – dusk Stable Closed for the season. 4 Experience Your America Yosemite National Park CAMPING & LODGING bringing the building to code with modern fire and seismic safety standards. Scaffolding and construction noise may be present during parts of the rehabilitation project. CAMPING Due to these historic projects, Ahwahnee parking lot space has been reduced. Parking is valet only with a $30 nightly charge, $15 day-use or $10 with validation. This change will only be during this historic project and will return to normal upon completion. Upper Pines Open year-round. By reservation only. Zero Landfill Initiative: Propane Canisters Wawona Post Office Mon – Fri: 9 am – 1 pm, Sat: 9 am – 12 pm Golf Shop & Snack Stand Closed for the season. El Portal Service Station staffed 8 am – 5 pm. 24-hour pay-at-the-pump with card. Yosemite Community Church Pastor Brent Moore, Resident Minister. Call 209/372-4831 or visit YosemiteValleyChapel.org for information. Weekly chapel services: Sundays at 9:15 am Easter week services: Maunday (March 28) chapel service at 7pm Good Friday (March 29) chapel service at 12 pm & 7 pm Easter Sunday (March 31): 7 am sunrise service at Lower Pines Campground + 9:15 am & 11 am chapel services Marriage Renewal Sunday (May 5 only): 9:15 am & 11 am Rehabilitation of The Ahwahnee Exciting news, campers: you can now buy and exchange Little Kamper 1 lb. propane canisters in Yosemite stores, including the Village Store, Curry Village Gift Shop, Mountain Shop, Wawona Store, and El Portal Market. Golf Course Closed for the season. RELIGIOUS SERVICES Sweet Shop 7 am – 10 pm Laundry (Housekeeping Camp) 8 am – 10 pm. Shuttle stop 12. Mountain Room Restaurant 5 pm – 10 pm Upscale casual steakhouse. Reservations recommended: OpenTable.com. National Park Service and Yosemite Hospitality are working together to reduce improper disposal of singleuse propane canisters and send less waste to our local landfill. This project was made possible in part by a grant from the National Park Foundation through the generous support of Subaru of America. A reservation is required for all campgrounds starting April 13. Visit go.nps.gov/campground for reservation booking windows and other campground details. Book a reservation at Recreation.gov. Campgrounds in Yosemite Valley Opening dates are subject to change. Lower Pines Opens April 23. By reservation only. North Pines Opens April 16. By reservation only. Camp 4 Open year-round. By reservation only starting April 13. Shared walk-in sites, no RVs or pets. Other Yosemite Campgrounds Hodgdon Meadow Open year-round. By reservation only starting April 13. Wawona Open year-round. By reservation only starting April 13. Sleeping inside a vehicle is only allowed at a registered campsite. Sleeping overnight in a parking lot or on the side of the road is NOT permitted. LODGING Lodging inside the park is operated by Yosemite Hospitality. Reservations may be made up to one year in advance and are strongly recommended. Book a stay online at www.TravelYosemite.com or by calling 888/413-8869. Yosemite Guide March 20 – May 7, 2024 5 Shuttles in Yosemite Valley The FREE Yosemite Valley shuttles operate from 7 am to 10 pm daily and service stops in numerical order. Shuttle Stops in Yosemite Valley Turn to page 4 for information about visitor services, including shopping and dining. Turn to page 10 for information about hiking in Yosemite. Due to construction, shuttle stops 2, 4, 5, 14, 15, 18, and 19 are subject to intermittent closures. Stops 1, 16, and 17 will remain available. Valleywide Shuttle Services ALL stops. 1 Yosemite Village Parking 10 Cathedral Beach Runs approximately every 22 to 32 minutes with a total round-trip time of 1 hour and 30 minutes. All Shuttles Valleywide Shuttle (Green Route) ONLY Picnic area. East Valley Shuttle Parking, Yosemite Welcome Center, Village Store, Yosemite Exploration Center & Bookstore, Theater, Wilderness Center, Yosemite Museum, The Ansel Adams Gallery, post office, & fast casual dining. Services SELECT stops. Runs approximately every 18 to 22 minutes with a total round-trip time of 50 minutes. Village Store & Welcome Center 2 11 Four Mile Trailhead Valleywide Shuttle (Green Route) ONLY Trailhead. All Shuttles Yosemite Village 2 7 Yosemite Valley Lodge & Camp 4 r ew Trail Loop lley Va Housekeeping Camp Sou ths ide ay on 19 14 15 Fo ur ll Va ey 9 El Capitan Meadow Trai l 10 Valley Loop Trail 18 17 16 Due to construction, shuttle stops 2, 4, 5, 14, 15, 18, and 19 are subject to intermittent closures. 6 5 4 3 Valleywide Shuttle (one way) 11 2 1 19 18 ist Tra il 17 14 15 Degnan’s Kitchen Yosemite Exploration Center & Museum 16 7 8 Yosemite Valley Lodge & Yosemite Falls Parking 17 18 Lower Pines Campground All Shuttles Lower Pines, North Pines, Upper Pines campgrounds. 9 Bring plenty of food and water for potential delays. Stop and use restrooms when available. Experience Your America Yosemite National Park El Capitan Picnic Area Picnic area. Bring or rent a bicycle to enjoy the Valley’s many miles of bike paths. 6 Mirror Lake All Shuttles Trailhead. Valleywide Shuttle (Green Route) ONLY Expect delays and full shuttles on holidays and busy weekends. Some destinations may be reached more quickly by walking. During winter, check for road closures and tire chain restrictions by calling 209/372-0200 (press 1, then 1.) Happy Isles All Shuttles Trailhead (Mist Trail, John Muir Trail, Half Dome), Art & Nature Center (seasonal). Lower Yosemite Fall Parking, lodging, casual & upscale casual dining, gift shop, Camp 4, trailheads. In Yosemite Valley, park in one of three central parking areas (Curry Village, Yosemite Village, and Yosemite Falls.) Shuttle, bicycle, or walk to your destination. Gas is not available in Yosemite Valley. Stations are available in El Portal, Wawona, and Crane Flat. Turn to pages 4 & 5 for details. Upper Pines, Lower Pines, North Pines campgrounds. Trailheads, picnic area. Getting to & Around Yosemite Ride a YARTS bus to the park. All Shuttles Yosemite Valley Welcome Center, Village Store, Yosemite Exploration Center & Bookstore, Theater, Wilderness Center, Yosemite Museum, The Ansel Adams Gallery, post office, & fast casual dining. 6 Upper Pines Campground 16 Valleywide Shuttle (Green Route) ONLY To avoid crowds and congestion, arrive early, stay late, and visit Yosemite during the week. 15 Valleywide Shuttle (Green Route) ONLY East Valley Shuttle (one way) 12 Parking, lodging, casual dining, gift & grocery, recreation rentals (seasonal), amphitheater. Valleywide Shuttle (Green Route) ONLY M Curry Village (eastbound) All Shuttles Yosemite Welcome Center, Village Store, Yosemite Exploration Center & Bookstore, Theater, Wilderness Center, Yosemite Museum, The Ansel Adams Gallery, post office, & fast casual dining. 5 Stops 1, 16, and 17 will remain available throughout construction. 7 Lodging (seasonal), laundry (seasonal), exhibits & programs (seasonal). Valleywide Shuttle (Green Route) ONLY Happy Isles Cathedral Beach 10 4 Curry Village ay ew on 8 9 12 Trailhead D Housekeeping Camp & Yosemite Conservation Heritage Center All Shuttles 14 The Ahwahnee Valleywide Shuttle (Green Route) ONLY Lodging, casual & fine dining. Pines Campgrounds Mirror Lake a il Tra ile M 8 op Valley L oop Tra il 11 Four Mile r ew El Capitan Picnic Area on erced River M 3 1 eD rth si d No Parking Area Lo 3 y Park Road Bike & Pedestrian Path Trail 12 The Ahwahnee y Loop Trail 5 6 Valleywide Shuttle (Green Route) East Valley Shuttle (Purple Route) 4 Yosemite Valley Welcome Center Parking, Yosemite Welcome Center, Village Store, Yosemite Exploration Center & Bookstore, Theater, Wilderness Center, Yosemite Museum, The Ansel Adams Gallery, post office, & fast casual dining. North Val le Lower Yosemite Fall il Tra Yos em ite il Tra lls Fa op Yosemite Valley Shuttle System Va lle yL o El Capitan Meadow Valleywide Shuttle (Green Route) ONLY Scenic area. The Yosemite Area Regional Transportation System (YARTS) is a public transit system that provides service into Yosemite National Park. 19 Curry Village (westbound) All Shuttles Parking, lodging, casual dining, gift & grocery, recreation rentals (seasonal), amphitheater. Buses are air-conditioned, bike friendly, wheelchair accessible, and equipped for rider comfort. Save gas, save time, save money, by taking YARTS! For bus schedules and tickets, visit www.YARTS.com or call 877/989-2787. Yosemite Guide March 20 – May 7, 2024 7 Events & Programs Visit go.nps.gov/YosemiteCalendar or the NPS app to view the web events calendar. Program offerings are subject to change. photo by Evan Russel Programs in Yosemite Valley Special Events & Programs Start Time End Time Program Hosted Fee? by Reservations? Days Offered 8:30 am 10:30 am Birding in Yosemite Valley Experience the birdlife in Yosemite Valley with a local birding enthusiast. Listen, observe, and learn detailed information about the birds you come across. Yosemite Conservancy $ Required; visit Yosemite.org/adventures Mon & Wed starting March 25 Art Class Slow down and connect with nature in a new way. Meet at the Happy Isles Art and Nature Center for art classes, such as mosaics, watercolors, and printmaking. Yosemite Conservancy $ Required; visit Yosemite.org/art Mon, Tues, Wed, Thurs, Fri starting April 8 Required; visit AnselAdams.com/ photography-education Tues & Thurs Required; visit AnselAdams.com/ photography-education Wed No; drop-in only. Sun starting May 5 Required; visit Yosemite.org/adventures Mon & Wed No; drop-in only. May 4 & 5 only 9 am 1 pm 9 am 10:30 am The Ansel Adams Gallery Photography Walk Join a staff photographer at The Ansel Adams Gallery for a brief field lecture in Yosemite Valley. The Ansel Adams Gallery 9 am 12 pm In the Field: Creative Smartphone Photography Join a staff photographer at The Ansel Adams Gallery to learn how to make better photographs with the camera you always carry. The Ansel Adams Gallery 9 am 11 am Climbers Coffee An informal gathering at Colombia Boulder in Camp 4 with the Climbing Ranger Team, sharing climbing information and community building through coffee. National Park Service 12 pm 2 pm Birding and Wildlife Enjoy observing and learning about the birds and other wildlife you encounter, as well as the signs they leave behind. Families welcome! Yosemite Conservancy 12:30 pm 4:30 pm Ask-a-Climber Join Climbing Rangers in El Capitan Meadow to view rock climbers in action on the “Big Stone” (telescopes provided) and ask all of your climbing-related questions. Weather permitting. National Park Service 1 pm 5 pm In the Footsteps of Ansel Adams Join a staff photographer at The Ansel Adams Gallery for a field class around Yosemite Valley. The Ansel Adams Gallery $ Required; visit AnselAdams.com/ photography-education Mon 1 pm 5 pm Ansel Adams’s Legacy and Your Digital Camera Join a staff photographer at The Ansel Adams Gallery for a field class to learn how to make better photographs with your DSLR camera. The Ansel Adams Gallery $ Required; visit AnselAdams.com/ photography-education Thurs 4 pm In the Field: Creative Smartphone Photography Join a staff photographer at The Ansel Adams Gallery to learn how to make better photographs with the camera you always carry. The Ansel Adams Gallery $ Required; visit AnselAdams.com/ photography-education Sat Family Ranger Talk Join a ranger to learn more about Yosemite. Topics vary daily. Meet in front of the welcome center in Yosemite Village (shuttle stops 1, 2, & 4.) National Park Service No; drop-in only Sun, Mon, Sat Guided Nature Walk Learn about Yosemite’s natural history on this free guided walk. Meet at the Yosemite Valley Lodge Amphitheater. Yosemite Hospitality 1 pm 2 pm 2 pm 2:15 pm 3 pm 2 pm 3:30 pm Forest Art Walk Explore the interconnected nature of art and observation within Yosemite Valley’s landscape! Unleash your creativity and capture the beauty of forests in this immersive watercolor nature journaling class. Yosemite Conservancy 3 pm 5 pm Ask a Yosemite Naturalist A drop-in live Q&A with a naturalist at the new Yosemite Exploration Center (formerly the visitor center.) Located in Yosemite Village; shuttle stops 1, 2, 4, & 5. 7:30 pm Sunset Walk Experience the magic of Yosemite while the setting sun lights up your favorite granite features. On this casual walk, join a naturalist to learn about the nat